Cricopharyngeal Myotomy and Stapling: Treatment of Choice for Zenker’s Diverticulum

Abstract

The first successful excision of a pharyngoesophageal (Zenker’s) diverticulum was performed by Wheeler in 1885 [1]. This procedure has been repeatedly criticized because of the potential incidence of leakage from the suture line and recurrent pouch formation [2]. The addition of a cricopharyngeal myotomy, first proposed by Aubin [3], has been more recently advocated by many authors [4–7], although no prospective studies have definitely shown that this approach results in a decreased leak or recurrence rate.

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References

1.

Wheeler WI (1886) Pharyngocele and dilation of pharynx, with existing diverticulum at lower portion of pharynx lying posterior to the oesophagus, cured by pharyngotomy, being the first case of the kind recorded. Dublin J Med Sci 82: 349–357Google Scholar